UG students plan November 2 protest over 26% accommodation fee hike

The Concerned Students’ Movement of the University of Ghana has announced plans to stage a protest on Monday, November 2, against a 26% increase in accommodation fees at university halls and facilities managed by the University of Ghana Enterprise Limited (UGEL).

The group is calling for a reduction in the revised charges, refunds for students who have already paid the increased fees and greater transparency in decisions concerning accommodation costs.

Speaking to Citi News, a member of the movement, Ishmael Oduro-Acheampong, said the group was engaging the Dean of Students’ Affairs and other university authorities in an effort to resolve the matter before the planned demonstration.

He described the new charges as excessive, arguing that some accommodation fees had increased significantly within just 2 semesters.

“Just two semesters ago, the facility where students were paying about GH₵3,000 and GH₵4,000 now is being priced around GH₵8,000,” he said.

Mr Oduro-Acheampong also raised concerns about the process used to determine the new rates, insisting that students should be consulted and provided with clear explanations before changes to accommodation fees are implemented.

He further argued that the charges should correspond with the quality of services and facilities available to residents, cautioning against imposing premium rates on accommodation that does not meet comparable standards.

The movement is also demanding greater accountability from the University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (SRC) over its response to issues affecting students.

Mr Oduro-Acheampong said the group expected university management to explain the basis for the increases and demonstrate how the revised fees reflected the standard of accommodation and services provided.